|
There are many types of case studies. Some are brief, one-page descriptions of an encounter between two people. Others contain detailed, often long historical descriptions of a legal or business dilemma. The type of problem-posing case used in this course follow a model developed by Harvard Law and Business Schools. These are carefully written descriptions of an actual situation or event. However, the persons and places in this type of case are usually disguised to protect the privacy of those people involved in the situation.
The basic information which readers need to understand the situation is provided. Most problem-posing cases are seen through the eyes of one person who must make a critical decision. Usually this type of case is open-ended, and readers are not told what decision was made. Information about the decision is balanced, and there is no obvious or “correct” answer. The work of discussion participants is to “enter” the experience of the decision-maker, analyze the context and events of the situation, and suggest the best options for moving toward resolution. Participants should be able to suggest what information informs their analysis and to offer the reasons behind the alternatives they suggest.
In the early 1990’s, mediation and negotiation trainers in participating in the South African Empowering for Justice with Reconciliation program began to adapt the case approach to training in community conflict resolution. Rather than use cases written from a North American or wider African context, the trainers began writing cases about actual community conflicts in South Africa.
Trainers found that group analysis of the case problem, particularly among racially, culturally and economically diverse groups of participants, offered a shared experience which challenged stereotypes and broadened participants’ cross-cultural understanding. In addition, community leaders developed skills of conflict analysis and identified creative suggestions for resolution that participants noted they would not have developed on their own. More recently, these attributes have been identified in case-based workshops in other parts of Africa, Asia and North America. They continue to make conflict resolution case studies a valuable tool in equipping community leaders to be agents of reconciliation and transformation.
Suggestions for Studying a Case for Group Discussion
A successful case discussion depends on careful preparation and on interchange between participants to share insights and points of view.
- Immerse yourself in the case; get to know the details. If possible, read the case several times.
- Analyze the case after reading it.
- Write out the cast of characters.
- Develop a chronology of events in the case.
- Identify the basic issues (especially those things—acts, values, and attitudes—about which decisions need to be made).
- Try to see all the positions reasonable persons might take.
- Mull over the case; that is, think about it casually. Let things flow through your mind.
- Remember that there is usually no one, right, answer.
- Participation
- Push your ideas; be willing to give reasons
- Listen to others; evaluate their positions
- Keep an open mind; be willing to change it upon new insights or evidence.
- Enjoy yourself.
(The suggestions for how to study a case were adapted from material developed by Professor M. B. Handspicker, Andover Newton Theological School.)
|
